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My Personal Profile

The Virtual Assistant Himself

 

 

My name is MICHAEL THOMAS GARRISON. I'm the owner and operator of Islander Virtual Assistant.

 

With more than 35 years of combined experience as a Technical Writer, Copy Editor, Webmaster, Web Content Developer, Blogger, and Information Technology Subject Matter Expert, I can guarantee that any projects you entrust to me will benefit from my professionalism and my emphasis on customer service. 

 

 

 

Professional Career Highlights


Technical Writer, Copy Editor, and Online Content Developer for Akimeka LLC, a Hawaiian-owned contractor specializing in global database-management systems for civil and federal government agencies.

 

Web Master, Copy Editor, Technical Writer, Desktop-Publishing Specialist, and Project Scheduling Technician for the Northrop Grumman Corporation, a defense, aerospace, and civilian government contractor.

 

Technical Publications Editor, Geoscientist, and Educational Outreach Specialist for the U.S. Geological Survey, an agency of the United States Department of Interior.

 

Technical Writer and Documentation Specialist for TransAmerica Corporation's Enterprise Engine & Compressor Division, a manufacturer of large-capacity compressors and diesel engines used for rural electrification, nuclear powerplant standby power generation, and bulk marine transport vessels.

 

Preparator and Consulting Scientist for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (Earth Science Department) and the Morrison Natural History Museum.

 

What Are My Qualifications?


Having worked in both the public and private sectors alongside scientists, engineers, technicians, software & hardware systems developers, professional writers & authors, school teachers, and students, I have a unique perspective on customer service, especially concerning meeting the business & project requirements of clients and partners, and recognizing the budget constraints of those who require my services.

Professional Career Highlights
Technical Writer, Copy Editor, and Online Content Developer for Akimeka LLC, a Hawaiian-owned contractor specializing in global database-management systems for civil and federal government agencies.
Web Master, Copy Editor, Technical Writer, Desktop-Publishing Specialist, and  Project Scheduling Technician for the Northrop Grumman Corporation, a defense, aerospace, and civilian government contractor.
Technical Publications Editor, Geoscientist, and Educational Outreach Specialist for the U.S. Geological Survey, an agency of the United States Department of Interior.
Technical Writer and Documentation Specialist for TransAmerica Corporation's Enterprise Engine & Compressor Division, a manufacturer of large-capacity compressors and diesel engines used for rural electrification, nuclear powerplant standby power generation, and bulk marine transport vessels.
Preparator and Consulting Scientist for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (Earth Science Department) and the Morrison Natural History Museum.
My Qualifications
Having worked in both the public and private sectors alongside scientists, engineers, technicians, software & hardware systems developers, professional writers & authors, school teachers, and students, I have a unique perspective on customer service, especially concerning meeting the business & project requirements of clients and partners, and recognizing the budget constraints of those who require my services.

 

A Little About Me
I grew up in California and attended the University of California at Berkeley and California State University East Bay where I earned baccalaureate degrees in English and Geology, and state teaching credentials. 
I lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for several years, and have traveled throughout North and East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, West Asia, and the islands of the Caribbean. 
In 2005, I fell in love with Hawaii and bought a home in the town of Kihei on the island of Maui where I now live. 
My interests include moderating chat groups, blogging, digital photography, whale watching, the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands, invertebrate zoology, SCUBA diving and snorkeling, and travel to the other islands in the Pacific.
A Little About Me

I grew up in California and attended the University of California at Berkeley and California State University East Bay where I earned baccalaureate degrees in English and Geology, and state teaching credentials. 

I lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for several years, and have traveled throughout North and East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, West Asia, and the islands of the Caribbean. 

In 2005, I fell in love with Hawaii and bought a home in the town of Kihei on the island of Maui where I now live. 

My interests include moderating chat groups, blogging, digital photography, whale watching, the natural history of the Hawaiian Islands, invertebrate zoology, SCUBA diving and snorkeling, and travel to the other islands in the Pacific.

 

My Personal Attributes


-- Hard-working, fast, & efficient


-- Superior organizational & project-management skills


-- Exceptional eye for detail


-- Ability to work within & meet tight deadlines


-- Outstanding communication skills


-- Attentive to the needs of my clients